The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-12-23
GATHEREDF FROM THECOURTS
A Glenwood Merchant Fined on the
Charge OfInterfering with the Nails.
The Trouble People of the Village Have Had
with Democratic POstmasters-A Guardian
Appointed for an Eccentric Old Man.

Jesse Murphy, of Glenwood, against whom in
formation was filed few weeks ago charging
him with maliciously interfering with the
United States mails at Glenwood, voluntarily
went before Judge Woods yesterday morning
and pleaded guilty, and was fined $40 and costs.
While denying that the interference was mali
cious or willful he took this step to avoid any
further expense. Mr.. Murphy has been very
much msrepresented in the matter, which grew
out of difference in politics between himself
and the administration postmaster, j. B.
Cook. Before Cook was appointed by President
Cleveland. lady, Mrs. Her. had charge Of the
Office, which was located in a store-room belong
ing to Dir. Murphy. and for which he charged
Mrs. Her rent. After the presidential elec-
ton petition Was circulated among Republic
ans and Democrats to retain Mrs Her. When
Cook got the appointment Murphy notified him
that after he took charge of the Office it would
have to be removed, which Cook refused TO DO.
The first night after Cooks occupancy he
quested Murphy to lock the door, which the lat
ter did. and kept the key On going to Rusn-
vile early the next morning he left the key
with young man unlock the door for Cook,
but this not done until an hour and half af-
ter the usual time for opening the Office. This
stituted Mr.. Murpby's offense. Everything has
not been smooth for the Democratic postmaster,
however, for many people have refused to de-
post their mail with him and have carried it half
a mile past the Office 70 the train. A deputy of
unsavory reputation was also tried, but
ceeded no better than Cook. Such a stanch
Democrat as Thomas Ochiltree. the father of
the Ochiltree who became notorious the fore
man OF the federal grand jury that failed to in
dict the election conspirators, refused to patron
ize the Office. A second Democratic deputy. of
good rapute, was secured about two weeks ago,
and everything Is again harmonious.
A Guardian for Eccentric Old Man.
John Benson, the eccentric old man who went
TO the County Commissioners, Wednesday, and
offered to make the county heir to IS 900 in gov
eminent bonds owned by him if they would al
low him to live at the county asylum. renewed
his request yesterday morning, and Commits
guardian appointed. He was taken to the Ci--
Trustee Many and John Clinton clerk of the
board, testified that they believed him to be of
unsound mind and the jury decided. The
Court appointed Mr.. Sahm as ths old gentle
mans guardian, and he qualified yesterday aft
ernoon by giving bond in the sum of SIS 600 for
for the faithful performance of his duty.
Benson WAS questioned by the Court regard
ing his history. and he said that SO far as he
knew he had no relatives. Several attempts, he
said, had been made to get his money away
from him. and by woman of this city
who insisted on marrying him. He seems
have made and saved the money while working
as a mechanic, most of the time in St. Louis.
Dir. Sahm says he will keep him at the poor
farm temporarily. but expects to get him a good
home as soon as possible and support him the
interest of his bonds. Although the receipt for
the $4,000 IN bonds seems to be genuine the
commissioner has doubts about his own
ing them, and in order to ascertain definitely
inquiry will be made at once. If he has the
money. and no heirs appear at his death, it will
go 60 the State.